News Broadcasting
The hidden goldmine for TV producers and broadcasters
CANNES: In a world that’s changing so rapidly with many new modes of delivery for content like mobiles, broadband, digital TV, HDTV, interactive TV, hand-held devices, what do content creators and broadcasters do to stay in the loop? Well the consensus of speakers at the MipTV-Milia conference on ‘New TV’ in Cannes is that cross – platform delivery is the key way for TV networks to find new audiences and generate more revenue.
Celador International (UK)’s Bruce Vandenberg said Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was a good example of making money across a range of platforms.
Millionaire was offered on the PC via narrowband and broadband on a pay-for-play model across 15 countries, he said. It has generated more than five million pounds in three years.
“It’s about getting consumers to engage in the brand,” he said. There were similar options via interactive TV and TV games channels. A younger audience was also targeted via SMS on the mobile.
Interest had risen significantly after a 17-year-old boy won 32,000 pounds. There was also a WAP game version, he said, reflecting the shift back to content by mobile operators.
Joel Berger of MTV Networks, Germany, told the seminar there was limited growth in the existing TV audience for his company. “So we have to make more out of our demographic,” he said.
A key target area was mobile entertainment products:
* Ringtones, MMS logos and wallpapers
* Java games
* Video content
* And the development of mobile music services.
Robert Fahle of RTV New Media, Germany, talked about similar mobile products. But he stressed there should be exclusive packages for mobile operators. “TV programs must be tailored to each platform,” he said.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
